Map process

Prelude: “The renowned "store maps" at Lowe’s were my crowning experience where I worked hard, on my own time, to create and develop a personal piece that projected my confidence, knowledge and personal growth in the job at Lowe's of Issaquah.  It began with only a few aisles in lumber, became bigger when I got encouragement into an ALL STORE adventure, and even more when it became well recognized and used throughout Lowe’s of Issaquah #0140!!!” Thanks for taking your time to view and look at my past and current achievements I’ve made at Lowe’s in this endeavor!”  
First Lumber Maps at Lowe’s:
The first maps at Lowe’s that I developed were very simple and skeleton like in nature. I started this endeavor by walking the aisles of lumber/building materials and writing down the products on a piece of paper.  I then created a drawing of the aisles that surrounded the lumber department and in walking the aisles again I put more detail on my map drawings and noted where products were located.  After only a short while my map became a reality. I gained encouragement from my fellow store employees. The first map I created was in color with the legend showing the types of lumber throughout the department.  
The products in lumber were color-coded to introduce the legends focus. The design of the aisles started as a block which gave the content in that my map was developed. I made this map initially to familiarize myself with the department’s products and where they were related to the aisles location. I used this map again as a guide to help direct and show customers where products were.  As the map progressed I created a final version to give to customer service and other associates in need of help learning the department. In my latest version I had two legends focusing on both color-coded products and by aisle location. 
In the final version of the lumber map I redesigned the layout above and made it black and white as an alternative to color.  It was simple and abstract compared to the previous versions.  The list, located on your right, had the aisles associated with the type of lumber and products. This basic design was the initial template of which would became an aid to show and get my next “store map” approved by the store manager at that time.
This map was very primitive in nature but simple enough for anyone to understand and relate to. I soon created other maps with more detail, color and improvements. The next move I made was to pitch the idea of the map to the store manager Mike E. where he gave me the go ahead in creating the store map.  I didn’t think he realized at the time how or what would become of the new store map used in the store today.
Learning the store and creating the new “STORE” map!
I soon was on my way getting the detail and “leg work” done for what would give me the content for the Store Map.  It was a bit more cumbersome and complicated than my past maps than the previous versions.  I not only wanted to present the aisle locations on the map but also the products in which they were directly associated with. It would soon include the aisles based the store layout.  The only catch was it had to be pretty dead on accurate if it was ever going to be used and accepted by the store employees. The process started as I walked each aisle and wrote down the most popular or asked on products I could think of.  I also drew each aisle as I progressed through the store and added little detail that would make it even more credible.  
Encouragement and progress
I got a lot of encouragement and acceptance in my efforts to produce this first store map. I had many employees stop what they were doing and began asking what "was I doing." I had some skepticism who thought it couldn't be done. But however,  others believed I was doing something great in pursuing my dream in helping others and producing a helpful tool not just for me but others as well. I was very optimistic and determined thus forward and  I persisted in my efforts.  I used the Adobe software suite in Illustrator to help layout my map on the computer and print and laminate the final results. This first version was in black and white and was double sided: the map on one side and the product locator (Microsoft Word) on the back. This way all you needed to do was flip the map over to reference each feature of the map. 
Getting it approved to use.
I once again got approval from the store manager Mike E. to go forward with the new design.  He was amazed by the efforts and final work presented to him. He even offered me over-time for my efforts-something he usually never does.  He gave me some critiques and suggested a few corrections to the store layout in general.  It was soon ready and finalized to be put on the floor at certain desks. The first version I created started on legal 8.5 X14 page format on regular white copy paper.  It was a double-sided document that would soon be changed for other purposes rather than just the store copy.      
The major critique my manager had about this map was that it was facing the wrong direction as the viewer was concerned.  The map faced downward on to the paper but the viewer was really supposed to view the map as if they were entering the store.  This concept never even entered my mind in creation of the map.  It’s funny how silly it might look now but it was how I visualized it as creating the map. 
I finally made the corrections and now it was time to show the new version. We kept this final version at customer service and lumber register desks to help show customers and employees where things were located in the store. I was now ready to go forward to show my map and introduce my new store map to my fellow employees.    
In the next few years to come I made significant changes, updates, and even more improvements that would help the ease of use of the map more “visually appealing” to the viewer. The next step was to make the map easier to understand adding color! Morgan, an associate of mine at Lowes, gave and mentioned her idea the map needed to have color to the design.  I soon made this next effort to update and produce the new “color” version from the past layouts. The product locator would remain the same and updated regularly. The following examples show different variations of the maps I created in COLOR!
In a year or so I made additional and alternative maps for fun to see different color and detail enhancements.
“In this new version I traced the aisles and used the content of the layout to format and produce the next step in the map design.”
“This map was proportionately advanced and very similar to the new digital map on Lowe’s.com and iPods at the time.”

Reflecting on past and future Maps to come!
The map was the first map of Lowes as early as I could remember.  It helped me in my endeavors to learn where things were something I struggled with mostly.  It was only a short while before I took on the project of learning the store more by doing my own version from scratch.  I utilized this map when I was working in the customer service desk and returns and learned the basics of customer service: where things were located!  This map shows a poster size version of what I “grew up” on at Lowe’s. It was very simplistic but shows the entire store at first glance.  This version on paper had two pages: one page containing the map, and the other a list was alphabetical listing the products. 
This is where I got the idea of the Product Locater for the back of my map.  The only difference was that my map was by the Aisle numbers rather than being alphabetical. The new map out there was on the app that was introduced in the following years.  It was very simplistic in nature and had all the information and content. It was not only internet based but also on each associates iPods. And for a while I disbelieved I could ever “top” this MAP-but I soon would.
For a while I didn’t think the map could go much further than what I had already developed. In searching the internet and finding more store maps out there it was clear that my map had to progress to even compete with what was actually out there at the time. The next step was to produce a map, with my current information and content in a new format.  
I got this idea the map needed to be more visually appealing if I was even going to be close to new maps out there of the store. This next map I developed was from the traced-floor map I got from Lowe’s from the previous pages.  The map itself was approved right away but in all actuality it took months to be finalized and printed in poster format; however, it was definitely worth it. As I introduced this map to the new store manager Erica she took it upon herself to finance the map onto a poster-sized blow up of my final version.  Thanks to ASM Sam and the lumber crew, including Parker and Joe, the new maps were finally framed and posted throughout the store in two places.  Even now there are maps on letter format around the store to guide customer’s needs. In the next week I saw employees and customers alike using and looking at my map.  It made me feel so accomplished and appreciated for the work I had done. 
“It was nice to hear all the positive feedback and recognition from my fellow associates at work as well.”
I was now famous at Lowe’s for my work and I was getting good feedback from employees and some customers.  I even got an award at an all store meeting recognizing my achievements in this area.  In the next year or so I brainstormed and got ideas of what I could do to make my next effort making an updated and new version of the map.
In my next effort to create an all store map I put together a compilation of design elements including color, the new 3D look, and a lot of more detail of the inside and out of the departments.  It also had the new product locater on the back that was updated from past years back. I put a lot of thought and detail into this new version as I worked day and night to complete this new version.  The ASM Sam gave me the idea to give a purpose to this map and mainly a legend to introduce this purpose. 
This map was based upon a gathering of all my efforts to create a map at Lowe’s and also other maps and inspiration throughout. I also would like to note in the process of presenting this new map to my fellow ASM managers that Dustin and John were especially kind and supportive in getting the word out about my map.  I presented to each department on the floor with Erica at an all-store department manager meeting where she introduced the map and its core features for the store.
“Everyone was supportive in my endeavor and gave me great feedback into my efforts throughout."
At the managers meeting I handed out my new map that was both printed on glossy paper and laminated.  Each department now has this map at each of their respective desks. The map now is still used and continually appreciated by my fellow associates at Lowe’s of Issaquah. 
Constructive Feedback:
As I did get quite a lot of positive feedback during the duration of my map project, however I also got a lot of constructive criticism about the maps accuracy. The main concerns my associates brought up were the changes to the stores layout and aisles that could bring up a problem later on in updating the map and product locator. I assured these associates it wouldn’t be much work to do, especially now that my map was complete.  I also could use this current map as a guide in making and keeping it updated. 
My next efforts to add support to my map at LOWES!
In my continued effort to support the map at Lowe’s I created employee “new hire” versions that were 5”x7” in size and were double sheets: first page contains the map and second the product locator.  These maps would go out to new employees seeking direction and help when first being hired at Lowe’s.  In recently talking to John H. at Lowes, an ASM on the floor, he expressed his desire to put a poster size map up at customer service to facilitate the need to help in directing customers where to go for their products/service needs.
New maps to follow.
 I believe this is my final effort in creating maps at Lowe’s but I could be wrong.  There are always ways to change things about this map, make it better, and more importantly update all the information that is contained on the map in general.
It turns out after only a couple months following version 2 I would come to enhance and add more content into the new 3D map version 3.0!  It included new features and a general purpose similar to what the past version provided. It contained the parking lot, key important services and employee parking noted as in the legend.  I got the go ahead from my ASM’s to print and laminate copies that would be distributed to each department desks throughout the store.  I would also hand out more copies of the map to anyone who was interested in learning more about the map and store in general.
My Assistant Store Manager was so impressed by the new map he considered this effort: "phenomenal."
The next Step!
My next map I created was for once again the lumber department that showcased the lumber and building material layout and products within.  This was posted by the lumber register and proservices desk.  This not only helped me learn the department even more so but also helped the cashiers back there. Visit my "projects gallery" above link to see the end results. 
“My final effort at Lowe’s of Issaquah!”
Paying Forward Lowe’s!
In looking back over all the years I wanted to give back what I learned and struggled so much at Lowe’s.  I wanted to help others who recently were hired on as associates who would become my fellow associates to come.  I instilled this help with the knowledge, skill, and direction in which I believe my map provides. MY map is constantly being used on the floor for training and helping employees learn where things are.
01/09/2018: This is my new and updated version of my Lumber Map for Lowe's of Issaquah.  It features the first page as the map, and the second as the products that surround the Aisles. I did this map to familiarize myself with the products and aisles back in lumber.  I got the CSA position in lumber and building materials this January so I wanted to show to my managers that I was serious about learning the department more and show my expertise in that area. 
A Conclusion. No End?
I want to thank all the managers, employees and other friends and colleagues that helped me through this process in creating this awesome map.   In this effort I believe I learned the store better and only hope I can do the same for new hires and other struggling employees alike. In this latest version I printed it on glossy paper and laminated the final copy for store employees in each department.  13 final copies! I also sized it up to a 18x24 copy and got it printed at office depot and framed the final result. 
Even though I created/developed the idea and design of the map entirely myself other employees gave me advice and critiques a long the way in my journey to make it perfect.  In the end I had created several maps with different purposes, meanings and inspiration to show my expertise and more importantly help others learn where I struggled the most at learning where things/products were at Lowe's when I first started out. I want to make it clear that the maps I made weren't perfect. Products and aisles numbers changed periodically without notice. I came into this known that making a perfect map wasn't feasible.  I wanted it to be used as a tool to learn more and keep learning more about the store and the products/services it provides. Saying that, I made every effort to make it as complete and accurate as possible so it could be used as a resource rather than a piece of fan art for the store. Every new version had a new purpose and features that it provided. I hope it helps future employees and customers a like learn more about what we do at our store.  
Maps I created are viewable in my Project Gallery link above and there are a few galleries there that actually show the process of how I developed my final pieces of artwork. 
In the coming years to come a new map was devised when there was a tremendous amount of remodeling and aisle number changes following each department of the store. I updated the new aisle changes and department advancements. I went with my original design layout from years back to become to the version 4.  This time a more flat graphic rather than 3D in nature. I put this new maps in the product catalog that was introduced by my fellow associate Pete A. I also gave further maps in color and grayscale to my HR manager Jacki to hand out to any new hirers that needed help finding product and features of the store. 
In a time where employees and customers never thought this effort would not be possible my hard work paid off and proved everyone wrong. I did this effort not to seek money or reward but only meant to help and succeed in improving the stores performance in this area. ​​​​​​​

UPGRADE TO VERSION 5 and the new 6.0!

After the next couple months I went through phases to the newer versions to come. In Version 5 I used by Version 4 layout with a graphic of the front view of the store. I created a unique 3D perspective design to accomplish this. It came out but even looked better in the newest version 6.0! My coworker Aaron from the Pro Desk at the Issaquah Lowe's Store gave me a actual planogram or blue print of the changes going to be made in the coming weeks to follow. I spent many hours to complete a draft for his approval. It turned out quite good but I still think there could be some changes and editing. Check out my latest version in my portfolio above!
Version 6.0 is now complete and can be viewed in the portfolio link above. I am still considering what I will do with it. I can tell you I would like to give all employees, hew hires and customers one if they want one. I would also like a poster size version at customer service. But, for now it's complete and I am happy with it!
9/13/21- My manager just printed "1,000 copies and we are almost already through them. We placed them up front and customers have loved having them while they become accustomed to the new layout in the store."-Dustin ASM of Lowe's of Issaquah #0140
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